Portable shelter lighting system

ABSTRACT

An apparatus comprising a portable structure and a lighting system incorporated within the structure.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to lighting, and more particularly to the use of light emitting diodes

BACKGROUND

Portable shelters do not exist with any convenient lighting systems.

SUMMARY

In general, in one aspect, an apparatus includes a portable shelter and a lighting system incorporated within the shelter.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. At least one light emitting diode (LED), circuitry for controlling LEDs and a power source to supply power to the LEDs. In some embodiments, the shelter is a tent. In other embodiments, the shelter is an RV shade, easy ups, remote bathroom structures or a shade shelters. In some embodiments, the power source is recharged by an external power supply. In some embodiments, the external power supply is solar energy. In other embodiments, the external power supply is a mechanical device. In some embodiments, the power source is a battery. In other embodiments, the power source is at least one rechargeable lithium ion battery. In some embodiments, the power supply is a hand powered generator. In some embodiments, a wireless remote control device is used to control the function of the lighting system. In some embodiments, the wiring is embedded within the structure of the temporary shelter. In some embodiments, a control device is used to control the function of the lighting system. In some embodiments, the control device is secured to the temporary shelter. In some embodiments, the control device is located proximate the opening of the portable shelter. In some embodiments, the control device is a button. In other embodiments, the control device is a switch. In some embodiments, rechargeable with a plug in adapter. In some embodiments, the plug in adapter is adaptable to various standard plugs. In some embodiments, the wiring associated with the control of the lighting system is incorporated within material which comprises the shelter. In other embodiments, wiring associated with the control of the lighting system is incorporated within a support structure used to support the shelter. In other embodiments, the support structure is used conduct electricity for the control system. In some embodiments, the apparatus also includes a pizzo electric alarm wherein the alarm emits an audible signal. In some embodiments, the audible signal is approximately 110 db. In some embodiments, the apparatus also includes a reflective surface to enhance light from the LED. In other embodiments, the apparatus also includes a lens to enhance light from the LED. In some embodiments, the lens to can be adjusted to defuse the light from the LED. In some embodiments, the lens to can be adjusted to focus the light from the LED. In some embodiments, the LED is selected from a group consisting of 1, 3, and 5 watt bulbs or other wattage LED. In other embodiments, the apparatus also includes a universal serial bus (USB) jack used to power devices which support USB.

In general, in another aspect, an apparatus includes at least one light emitting diode (LED), a removeable secured cartridge for holding the LEDs wherein the cartridge can be removed in order to replace the LED's, circuitry for controlling LEDs, and a power source to supply power to the LEDs. Wherein the lighting system is secured to a temporary shelter.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. In some embodiments, a socket is used to receive the cartridge.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the lighting system incorporated within a portable structure.

FIG. 2 illustrates the assembly of one embodiment of the lighting system.

FIG. 3 illustrates the details of the back housing.

FIG. 4 illustrates the details of the front housing.

FIG. 5 illustrates the details of the LED heat sink.

FIG. 6 illustrates the details of the plug.

FIG. 7 illustrates the details of the socket.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method used to recharge the power supply.

FIG. 9 illustrates the circuitry used to control the lighting system.

FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of the lighting system.

FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of the lighting system.

FIG. 12 illustrates another embodiment of the lighting system.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In FIG. 1, a portable shelter 2 is integrated with a lighting system 4 in order to illuminate an area. This lighting system 4 is designed to light up portable shelters 2 with a light. The light may be red, white or any other color. This lighting system 4 can be installed into portable shelters 2 either at the time of the manufacture of the shelter or as an after market system. The lighting system 4 can be controlled at a variety of locations using a control device 6. The control device can be located anywhere around or in the structure including proximate to the entry 7, the floor of the shelter 9 and proximate to the light 4. In some embodiments, the portable shelters include tents, shelters, gazebos, shades, awnings and awnings attached to vehicles.

The wiring 6 and associated circuitry can be woven into the fabric of the shelter, or the circuitry can be held in place within a seam or within the structural supports of the shelter or installed on a surface of the shelter by either the manufacturer or consumers. When mounted on the surface, the lighting system can be mounted using adhesives, snaps, hook and loop, magnets or any other type of mounting device known. The controls 6 can be mounted at the entry of the shelter or on the floor or near the light. In other embodiments, a wireless control, such as an infrared or RF control, is used. In some embodiments, the control 6 for the lighting system is a dual pole switch. In other embodiments, the control 6 is mounted to the battery pack.

The lighting system 4 is a low voltage, LED based light. It may be lit by single or multiple 1 W, 3 W, 5 W or any size LED(s). The LED can be encased in a self-cooling housing. The lighting system 4 is attached via a wire to a power supply 5 and control circuitry.

In FIG. 2, an exploded view of the lighting system is shown. In this embodiment, the lighting system 4 is comprised of a back housing 8 (See FIG. 3), a front housing 10 (See FIG. 4), a heat sink 12 (See FIG. 5), a plug 13 and a socket 14 (See FIG. 6). In some embodiments, the unit is manufactured as one entire unit. In other embodiments, the front housing 10 is removable, such that the LED units may be exchanged when the LED burns out or to replace the LED unit with a different color light or wattage light. In some instances the LED can be held by a cartridge. The cartridge may incorporate any or all of the components except the socket 14.

In FIG. 3 and in FIG. 4 the front housing 10 and back housing 8 may be constructed from a variety of materials. In FIG. 3 the back housing 8 has two openings 16 which are used to receive the tabs 18 from the front housing. Also, a slot 17 is used to receive the plug 13. The back housing 8 can be designed to prevent heat damage. In FIG. 4, the front housing 10 incorporates at least one opening 19 for an LED. In some embodiments, a metal housing may be used to dissipate heat. In other embodiments, the housing may be made from plastic or rubber/silicon for ease of manufacture. In some embodiments, the electronics used are installed within the housing. In some embodiments, a reflector dish or plate may be included in the housing or other components to reflect the light.

FIG. 5 illustrates the details of the heat sink. The heat sink 12 provides for the dissipation of heat from the LED. This prevents possible heat damage to the portable structure. The heat sink 12 also has two openings 21 which are associated with the tabs 18 of the front housing 10.

FIG. 6 illustrates the details of the plug. In the embodiment shown, the plug 13 is a bipolar plug. The plug 13 can also be unidirectional so that it can only be inserted into receiver one way. The plug shown uses an indentation 20 to ensure that the plug is not inserted incorrectly.

FIG. 7 illustrates the details of the socket 14. The socket 14 can receive the back housing 8 by any method including snapping in or turning. The socket 14 has openings 24 which can be used to fasten the socket to a surface. In some instances the socket 14 is fastened to a surface using an adhesive, hook and loop or mechanical fasteners. The socket 14 can be designed to prevent heat damage.

In FIG. 8, an external power source illustrates a method used to recharge the power supply.

In FIG. 9 illustrates the circuitry used to control the lighting system. In some embodiments, the circuitry incorporates a three way switch that can be controlled at two different locations such as at the opening of the shelter and proximate to the LED housing.

Turning to the power supply, in some embodiments, the power supply is rechargeable and can be recharged from such sources as a standard A/C plug, a 12V power source such as car or RV. In other embodiments, any self generating power source can be used. In other embodiments, the power supply is charged using solar power. In other embodiments, a mechanical means such as a crank can be used to charge the power supply. In other embodiments, standard batteries are used as the power supply. The batteries can be either rechargeable or non-rechargeable. In other embodiments, a capacitor type power supply is used.

In FIG. 10 an LED cartridge 30 is shown prior to being assembled. In this embodiment, the socket 14 is fixed to the portable structure and the LED cartridge 30 can be swapped out. Turning to FIG. 11, the LED cartridge 30 is inserted into the socket 14. Then, turning to FIG. 12, the plug 13 is inserted into the LED cartridge 30. In some embodiments, the LED cartridge 30 is snapped into the socket 14. In other embodiments, the LED cartridge 30 is placed into the socket 14 by turning.

A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. 

1. An apparatus comprising: a portable shelter; and a lighting system incorporated within the shelter.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the lighting system further comprises: at least one light emitting diode (LED); circuitry for controlling LEDs; and a power source to supply power to the LEDs.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the portable shelter is a tent, an RV shade, an easy up, a remote bathroom structure or a shade shelter.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the power source is recharged by an external power supply.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the external power supply is solar energy.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the external power supply is a mechanical device.
 7. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the power source is a battery.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the power source is at least one rechargeable battery.
 9. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the power source is a hand powered generator.
 10. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the power source is a chemical reaction.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising wiring embedded within the structure of the temporary shelter.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a control device controlling the function of the lighting system.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the control device is a wireless remote control device.
 14. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the control device is secured to the temporary shelter.
 15. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the control device is located proximate the opening of the portable shelter.
 16. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the control device is a button.
 17. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the control device is a switch.
 18. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the power source is rechargeable with a plug in adapter.
 19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the plug in adapter is adaptable to various standard plugs.
 20. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising wiring associated with the control of the lighting system is incorporated within material which comprises the shelter.
 21. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising wiring associated with the control of the lighting system is incorporated within a support structure used to support the shelter.
 22. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the portable shelter further comprises a support structure which is used conduct electricity for the control system.
 23. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising pizzo electric alarm wherein the alarm emits an audible signal.
 24. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the audible signal is approximately 110 db.
 25. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a reflective surface to enhance light from the LED.
 26. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a lens to enhance light from the LED.
 27. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the lens to can be adjusted to defuse the light from the LED.
 28. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein the lens to can be adjusted to focus the light from the LED.
 29. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the LED is selected from a group consisting of 1, 3, and 5 watt bulbs.
 30. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a universal serial bus (USB) jack used to power devices which support USB.
 31. A lighting system comprising: at least one light emitting diode (LED); a removeable secured cartridge for holding the LEDs wherein the cartridge can be removed in order to replace the LED's; circuitry for controlling LEDs; and a power source to supply power to the LEDs.
 32. The lighting system of claim 31 further comprising: a socket; wherein the cartridge is inserted into the socket.
 33. The lighting system of claim 31 wherein the lighting system is incorporated within a temporary shelter. 